Technical Assistance Audio Workshop to Clarify
the Addition of Science as an Option for Supplemental Educational Services

On June 3, 2008, the United States Department
of Education (USED) provided additional guidance regarding science as an option
for services that Supplemental Educational Service (SES) providers may offer to
eligible students. USED has clarified that states may not prohibit providers of
SES wishing to provide services in science from applying for and gaining
approval solely on the basis that they provide services in science.

Section 1116(e) of the No Child Left Behind Act of 2001 (NCLB) requires Title I schools in
the second year and beyond of school improvement, to provide SES to all
eligible children. Previously, SES services were required in reading/language
arts and mathematics. This recent directive from USED expands SES offerings to
include science.

Section
1116(e)(12) of the No Child Left Behind
Act of 2001 (NCLB) defines Supplemental Educational Services (SES) as
services that are in addition to instruction provided during the school day, are
of high-quality, research- based, and specifically designed to increase the
academic achievement of children on the academic assessments required under Section
1111. Section 1111(b) requires assessments in, at a minimum, reading or
language arts, mathematics, and science. Accordingly, a state may not prohibit
providers of SES who desire to provide services in science from applying for
and gaining approval solely on the basis that they provide services in science.
Furthermore, parents of eligible students must be allowed to choose providers
that have been approved by the state to provide services in science.

The Virginia Department of
Education will conduct an audio conference for all interested school personnel
on August 13, 2008, at 10 a.m. - 11 a.m. to provide additional information on
the addition of science as an option for SES. To join the conference call,
please dial 1-866-842-5779. When asked for the code, please enter 8043712932. To
register, please fill out the attached form no later than August 8, 2008, and fax to: Ann Sheehan, Title I Specialist at
804-371-7347. For questions, please contact Ann Sheehan, at Ann.Sheehan@doe.virginia.gov or (804)371-2932.